Mobile Malware is on the Rise — Find out Why

According to the 2016 Check Point Security Report, “Unknown malware downloads rose over 900% with more than 970 downloads per hour compared to 106 previously.” Why are attacks on mobile phones on the rise? Easy: most organizations and individuals have not bothered to take the time to proactively protect their personal data, like they do with their computers.

Mobile Phones a Target

Verizon’s 2015 Data Breach Investigations Report states that almost 90% of 2015 hacks used a vulnerability that has been in existence since 2002. Why are mobile phones becoming such a target? Consider all of the data that flows in and out of the typical mobile phone.

Read More: Your Guide to Controlling Your Permissions on Android

While not every company supplies its workforce with mobile phones, most employees carry one — and they may access company information, social networks, do a bit of web browsing, or download new apps from it during a typical workday.

These cellphones carry information for a slew of websites. They are typically always connected to the internet — and are capable of recording through audio and video. These kinds of extras are exactly what a thief is looking for. There’s a lot of information packed inside these phones and, for a high-profile target, personal, sensitive information can easily be obtained.

Lacking in Protection

Unlike desktop computers, mobile platforms don’t often possess anti-virus protection. There’s usually no sort of intrusion monitoring service. No one is performing frequent virus scans. At the same time, inexperienced developers are uploading apps that could make them easy to exploit. People use their phones everywhere, for everything, and download apps without thinking twice.

With chargeware and ransomware entering the scene, the problem can only escalate. So, a mobile phone could potentially be attacked, and that attack could go unnoticed for a significant period of time — all while data is being stolen right from under the mobile phone owner’s nose.

Part of the problem is the operating system bundled with some devices — it’s old, outdated, and may never be updated. Another part of the problem is deciding who needs to keep these phones protected. Should it be the responsibility of the network carrier or the operating system developer?

How To Protect Yourself

In a report from Alcatel and Lucent’s Kindsight Security Labs, it is stated that 15 million mobile devices are infected with malware. Consider that number for a moment. How safe is your Android cell phone?

Be proactive. Keep your cell phone safe while browsing the web. Install PSafe Total for advanced antivirus and malware protection. Let your phone stay safe and secure with PSafe.